Ophthalmic Diagnostic Photography
Ocular Fundus Photography

The Fundus, or inner lining, of the eye is photographed with specially designed
cameras through the dilated pupil of the patient. Using Ektachrome color slide film, the
painless procedure produces a sharp view of the retina, the retinal vasculature, and the
optic nerve head (optic disc) from which the retinal vessels enter the eye. The optic disc
measures about 1.5mm in diameter.

The vessels form an arc around the macula which produces the central 20 degrees
of vision. At the center of the macula lies the tiny fovea, measuring only 500
microns across, which is responsible for our most central reading vision.

In the Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study, color fundus photography is performed to document
the appearance of the tumor, to monitor its borders for any sign of growth, and to observe
the condition of the macula and optic disc in patients receiving Iodine-125 plaque treatment
for vision-threatening complications of the treatment.